Incisional hernia repair in Vienna

An incisional hernia develops in the scar of a previous abdominal operation. Because every incisional hernia is different, its repair requires particular experience. I offer laparoscopic, open and robotic (da Vinci) techniques and choose the right one together with you.

What is an incisional hernia?

An incisional hernia is a late complication of abdominal surgery. If the closure of the abdominal wall does not heal with full strength, a weak spot remains in the scar through which abdominal contents can bulge. Incisional hernias typically develop within months of the original operation, but can also appear years later.

Symptoms

• A bulge in or next to an old surgical scar
• Pulling, pressure or pain, often increasing when standing or straining
• The bulge often grows over time

Incisional hernias do not heal on their own and tend to enlarge. As with every hernia, trapped bowel is an emergency – a planned repair by a specialist is the safer path.

Incisional hernia repair: my techniques

• Laparoscopic (minimally invasive) repair with mesh
• Open repair, for example for large hernias or after several previous operations
• Robotic hernia surgery with the da Vinci system for selected cases at the Wiener Privatklinik – I performed the first robotic hernia operations in an Austrian private hospital

Before deciding, I examine you thoroughly and explain the advantages and disadvantages of each option. We choose the technique together, based on the size and location of the hernia, previous operations and your personal situation.

After your operation

Hospital stay and recovery depend on the size of the hernia and the technique used. I will explain what to expect in advance, remain personally available after the operation, and see you for follow-up in my practice.

Priv. Doz. Dr. Emanuel Sporn – specialist in general, visceral and vascular surgery, international specialist in hernia surgery, Vienna.